Pier Village
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Pier Village is a multi-use "lifestyle center" located in Long Branch, New Jersey along the Atlantic Ocean. It opened in 2005.
Contents |
[edit] History
The land that Pier Village now sits on was originally that of the Long Branch Pier and the Kid's World amusement park.
On June 8, 1987, at around 3 pm, a fire broke out at the McDonald's at the end of the pier. The fire quickly spread throughout the pier, despite efforts by the Long Branch Fire Department to save it. After the fire, all that remained of the pier complex were the water attractions across the street from the pier. However, after the fire, business had slowed down, so the rest of remaining Kid's World closed down for good at the end of that summer.
The owner, Pat Cicalese, planned on rebuilding the pier. However, his insurance didn't cover the cost to rebuild what was destroyed, and the town would not fund the project, so the plans were abandoned. What was left of Kid's World remained abandoned for 17 years after the fire.
What was left of the pier was demolished in the late 1990s. The rest of Kid's World across the street met the wrecking ball in 2002.
Soon after that, construction of Pier Village began, starting with the rebuilding of the boardwalk.
[edit] Features
There are two buildings built around a semi-circle of paralell parking around a grassy area and gazebo. In the winter months, an ice skating rink is brought out to the grassy area.
The first story is filled with shops and restaurants, while the upper floors are filled with ocean-view Apartments.
During the summer, local bands play at the gazebo on Friday nights.
The tenants are mostly local businesses, most from Monmouth County, but there are national brands, such as Stewart's Root Beer and Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory.
There is also a shopper's club, which club members can recieve special benefits.
[edit] Expansions
In 2005, plans for a new pier were unveiled.
The new plans would include:
- A ferry terminal
- An area for fishing
- A 30,000 sq. ft. area for exhibitions that would include a restaurant
- A beach-side stage
- An ampitheater
- A 3,500 to 5,000 sq. ft. area offshore that will be used for oceanographic and marine science educational classes
Also, another expansion that broke ground in Fall 2006. The new phase will include 223 premium rental residences and several new retail stores.
